CUISINE: Italian

HOURS: Monday - Thursday & Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE: Yes

CREDIT CARDS: All major credit cards

While Pizza City is but a distant memory and the Cross Bay Kiddy Rides no longer adorn the boulevard with bright lights and carnival sounds, it is reassuring to know that some things in Howard Beach haven’t changed.

After 15 years of business, Vincent’s Italian Restaurant & Clam Bar continues to be a familiar sight on Cross Bay Boulevard, preparing their famous sauces and specialty foods that have been passed down for four generations.

Whether you like it sweet, medium or hot, Vincent’s has the sauce for whatever your tastebuds demand.

Either in a plate by itself to dunk appetizers like Fried Mozzarella Sticks for $5.95, poured over pasta dishes such as Lasagna for $7.75, Linguine with Shrimp Balls (2) for $9.50, Linguine with Calamari (fried or steamed) for $10.75 and Baby Lobster Tails Fra Diavolo over Linguine for $21.95 or just sold by the pint for $3.75, Vincent’s prides itself on its sauces.

The specials change weekly, and always feature two different fish dishes such as Filet, Halibut and Salmon. One pasta dish special that should definitely be tried is the Lobster Ravioli for $9.95 with a choice of Alfredo, Marinara or Alla Vodka sauce.

The entrees include Boneless Breast of Chicken Vinchaise (sautéed with white wine, lemon and butter with mozzarella) for $10.95, Flounder Filet Parmigiana for $12.95, a Steamed Seafood Platter (calamari, scungilli, shrimp, mussels) for $13.95 and Broiled Baby Lobster Tails for $20.95. All entrees come with a choice of either: 1. a full order of macaroni or soup or salad or; 2. French fries or potato pie or vegetable.

Luncheon specials are served from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and offer an array of pasta dishes including Linguine with Codfish Cakes for $6.50, Baked Ziti with Meatballs or Sausage for $7.50 and Pasta Primavera (macaroni with fresh vegetables) with a salad for $7.95. Seafood & meat specials include Zuppa Di Mussels for $6.95 and Seafood Salad (shrimp, calamari, scungilli) with soup for $8.50. Sandwiches such as Eggplant Parmigiana for $4.95, Chicken Cutlet with Meat Sauce for $5.25 or Sausage, Peppers and Onions with Tomato Sauce for $5.75 are also available.

Vincent’s also offers a take-out menu, but once you’ve stepped inside the restaurant to pick up your food, you’ll probably want to stay and enjoy the friendly service and comfortable atmosphere that has made Vincent’s an old-time favorite.